Deptford, NJ – On Saturday evening the Federation of Hellenic American Societies of Philadelphia and the Greater Delaware Valley, awarded Spiros Spireas the Eleftheria Award. The award is given annually in honor of an individual who was perpetuated Hellenism.

Members of the Philadelphia metropolitan community attended the event that brought together the churches and organizations of the area. Hosted annually before the Independence Day parade, the event also introduced for the Kousoulis family. Zoe and George Kousoulis were recognized as honorary Grand Marshals. Their daughter, Danielle was lost at the 9-11 tragedy. Her brother Peter spoke about Danielle’s life. This year, the Independence day weekend was themed “Upon This Rock, I Will Rebuild my Church”. The rebuilding of the St. Nicholas church into a National Shrine was part of the evening’s thoughts and fundraising efforts.